MechWarrior Tactics, the turn-based free-to-play PC strategy game, made the move to closed beta on Wednesday and introduced the always popular Founders Program to grant early access and goodies.

The MechWarrior Tactics beta currently supports 1v1 matches with mech lances facing off in asynchronous turn-based battles. Think Hero Academy for the iPad where you make a turn and then send it to your opponent and then they make a turn and send it back to you.

The number of mechs that will be supported in MechWarrior Tactics is currently unknown but the potential is there for most if not all of the ‘bots from BattleTech lore. You collect these through booster packs called STACs that should be thought of like a collectible card game with different weapons and chasis that can be mixed and matched.

The Founders program starts at $20 for the Veteran Founder’s Package and tops out at $120 for for the Legendary Founder’s Package. You can sign up for the Founders Program now at the MechWarrior Tactics website. Be aware though that this is North America only and the in-game currency won’t be added to your account until the open beta launches.

Scott is one of those “weird” over 30 gamers who’s been around since before the days of the Atari 2600 and has been pounding on controllers and keyboards ever since. Sharing his passion of gaming with his two kids and friends put him on a writing kick that he hasn’t been able to shake off.